Spain’s women’s national football team are on the brink of continental glory after a dramatic 1-0 extra-time victory over Germany in the semi-final of the ongoing UEFA Women’s Euro tournament in Switzerland. Aitana Bonmati emerged as the hero of the night, netting the decisive goal deep into extra time and sending Spain into a mouthwatering final showdown with England on Sunday.
Played under the floodlights on Wednesday night, the tense semi-final encounter between two European heavyweights looked destined for a penalty shoot-out, with both sides locked in a goalless stalemate after 90 minutes of intense action. However, in the 113th minute, Bonmati produced a moment of magic. The Barcelona midfielder delivered a cross-shot that floated past the German goalkeeper and into the back of the net, sparking wild celebrations among the Spanish players and their fans.
The result ensures Spain a historic appearance in the UEFA Women’s Euro final for the first time in their footballing history. Though Spain are the reigning FIFA Women’s World Cup champions, this marks their debut in a European Championship final, underlining the rapid growth and consistency of the nation’s women’s football program.
In a fitting twist of fate, Spain will now meet England in Sunday’s final — a rematch of the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup final that took place in Sydney, Australia. On that occasion, La Roja edged the Lionesses 1-0, thanks to a first-half strike from Olga Carmona that sealed their maiden global triumph.
Sunday’s final thus sets the stage for a captivating battle between two of the game’s most formidable teams. England, who are the defending UEFA Women’s Euro champions after their iconic 2-1 victory over Germany at Wembley in 2022, will be eager to avenge their World Cup loss and retain their continental crown.
The Lionesses advanced to the final after overcoming a resilient Italian side 2-1 in the other semi-final, played on Tuesday night. Goals from Ella Toone and Georgia Stanway ensured Sarina Wiegman’s team booked their place in the tournament’s showpiece finale.
Spain, managed by Montse Tomé, have been impressive throughout the tournament. With an attacking style built around quick passes and technical brilliance, they have dispatched every challenge so far. Their semi-final win over Germany adds to earlier victories, including a narrow 1-0 triumph over Germany in the quarter-finals — a display of defensive resilience and midfield dominance.
Much of Spain’s firepower has come from striker Esther González, who currently leads the tournament’s goalscoring chart with four goals. The Gotham FC forward has consistently delivered for La Roja, playing a pivotal role in their journey to the final.
Close behind her in the race for the Golden Boot are Sweden’s Stina Blackstenius, Italy’s Cristiana Girelli, and Spain’s Alexia Putellas, all with three goals each. Several other top talents from England, France, Germany, and Norway have also netted twice, showcasing the depth and quality on display at this year’s Euros.
For Spain, this tournament represents a symbolic moment in the evolution of their women’s team. Once seen as underdogs in major tournaments, they have now emerged as one of the most dominant forces in global football. Their win over Germany — a nation with eight Women’s Euro titles — highlights a power shift in European football.
Germany, on their part, will be disappointed with the outcome after a valiant performance that lacked only a finishing touch. The team had chances to score but were undone by a moment of brilliance from Bonmati, whose technical excellence once again proved decisive.
As anticipation builds for Sunday’s final, football fans across the continent are preparing for what promises to be a blockbuster encounter. Spain’s fluid midfield, spearheaded by Bonmati, Putellas, and Teresa Abelleira, will be tested by England’s disciplined defense and dynamic wing play.
Wiegman’s tactical experience — having led both the Netherlands and England to Euro finals — will be crucial. Meanwhile, Spain’s manager Montse Tomé, in her first major tournament at the helm, has already made history by guiding her side to the final. A win on Sunday would cement her legacy as one of the game’s top coaches.
The final will not only be a clash of styles but also a celebration of how far women’s football has come in Europe. Stadiums have been packed, television ratings have soared, and the skill level displayed has been exceptional.
Kick-off for the UEFA Women’s Euro final is scheduled for Sunday at 7:00 PM local time in Basel, Switzerland. With both teams having something to prove — England aiming to retain their title and Spain hoping to complete a historic World Cup-Euro double — the stage is set for a spectacular end to the tournament.
Spain’s potential to lift both the World Cup and the Euros within a year would be an unprecedented feat and a reflection of their golden generation. For England, the opportunity to reclaim glory and silence their critics adds another layer of intensity.
Regardless of the outcome, one thing is certain: fans will be treated to an unforgettable finale. All eyes now turn to Basel, where history awaits.
